CIAC BOYS' LACROSSE GAMEDAY CAPSULES

Published 12:00 am, Friday, June 7, 2013

CIAC Class L Championship

No. 4 Fairfield Prep (17-3) vs. No. 3 Staples (16-4)

?When: Today, 1:30 p.m.

?Where: McMahon High School, Norwalk

?What to look for: Fairfield Prep is the defending Class L state champion. The No. 1 team in the Register Top 10 Poll, the Jesuits arrived in the title game after a come-from-behind 12-9 victory against Ridgefield in the semifinals. Prep is has a myriad of weapons led by senior attack Kevin Brown, who is coming off a five-goal game against the Tigers. Attacker Tim Edmonds, midfielders Austin Sims, David White and Sean Henry add depth to a smart and talented offense. Defensively, Prep is just as strong, highlighted by Connor Henry in between the pipes.

Staples earned its way to the title game after a huge 6-5 victory over Greenwich in the quarterfinals and then a 4-2 win over No. 2 Simsbury. Defense has been the No. 3 ranked Wreckers' strength all season. Senior captain Quinn Mendelson, along with Lancer Lonergan, Jack Greenwald and junior goalie Cole Gendels, are the face of an aggressive and formidable defensive line. Seniors Joey Zelkowitz and Colin Bannon are two of the top offensive threats in the state.

?Championship appearances: Prep will be playing in its eighth straight Class L title game. Staples' is making its first Class L appearance. The last time the Wreckers played for a title was in 1999 at the Division II level.

?You should know: The two schools are just six miles apart. The last time they faced each other was in the quarterfinals last season, with Prep winning 13-4. In 2010, Prep defeated the Wreckers in the semifinals, 9-8.

CIAC CLASS M championship

No. 2 BARLOW (20-1) vs. No. 17 WILTON (12-9)

?When: Today, 11 a.m.

?Where: McMahon High School, Norwalk

?What to look for: Defense is the Falcons' strength and a good indication of that is Barlow's come-from-behind 5-4 win in OT over New Canaan in the semifinals. The defense is led by goalie Cooper Brown and midfielders Ian Zangrillo and Billy Wilson and defender Alex Gallaer. The offense is led by attackmen Liam Rooney and Zach Pompei and midfielder Conn Curry. The Warriors' strength is also on defense led by goalie Connor Johnson and defenders Henry Lee, Michael LaSala and Nick Wells. Among the top scorers for the Warriors are Thomas Hayes, Brendan Devane and Ryan Brameier.

?Championship appearances: Barlow won the Class S title last season and moved up to Class M. Barlow makes its fifth state championship appearance with a Division II title in 2002 in addition to the S title. Wilton makes its ninth state championship appearance with four Division I titles (1995, 1998-99, 2004) and a Class M title in 2011.

?You should know: The Falcons are on a 10-game winning streak including a victory in the South-West Conference Division I tournament championship game.

Class S State Championship

No. 13 St. Joseph (12-8) vs. No. 15 Weston (13-9)

?When: Today, 6 p.m.

?Where: McMahon High School, Norwalk

?What to look for: Defense is the name of the game here. Both teams arrived in the title game via a stifling effort limiting their opponent's offensive attacks. St. Joseph is the younger team that beat No. 1 Stonington 9-6 in the semifinals. Sophomore keeper Mike Braddick, along with defenders Jorge Yoguez, Kurtis Murde and Zak Psaras make a tough match for opposing teams. Ryan Corcoran of Stratford leads the offense for the Cadets as a smart player who can change a game at a moment's notice.

Weston's road to the title game started in the qualifying round on May 24. Since then, the Trojans have been on a mission, outscoring opponents 47-25. Weston uses an effective zone defense, coupled with great ball possession play. In the Trojans' 10-5 semifinal win over Morgan, Weston showcased its offensive weapons as Austin Drimal scored four times, Troy Flynn added two and Sean Fumai chipped in with one and added three assists. Grant Limone is the Trojans' goalie.

?Championship appearances: Weston has won state titles in 2007 and 2010. St. Joes won its last Class S title in 2011, beating Barlow 6-5.

?You should know: These two teams met for the Class S title in 2010. Weston won 7-6.